In the rapidly evolving field of Helicobacter infection new data on pathogenetic and pathophysiological mechanism have appeared. New methods which will be more sensitive and specific in the diagnosis of the infection are being developed and in this proceedings the first attempt using PCR technology is published. From the clinical point of view, a challenging aspect that needs clarification, is the observation which suggests an appearance of a correlation between the presence of the bacteria and abdominal pain and other symptoms in children whereas in old age no such correlation is evident. The relationship of H. pylori and gastric cancer is studied with histopathological data and epidemiological approaches. On the treatment side schemes using short courses and new antibiotic combinations are being investigated and preliminary data are reported.

In the rapidly evolving field of Helicobacter infection new data on pathogenetic and pathophysiological mechanism have appeared. New methods which will be more sensitive and specific in the diagnosis of the infection are being developed and in this proceedings the first attempt using PCR technology is published. From the clinical point of view, a challenging aspect that needs clarification, is the observation which suggests an appearance of a correlation between the presence of the bacteria and abdominal pain and other symptoms in children whereas in old age no such correlation is evident. The relationship of H. pylori and gastric cancer is studied with histopathological data and epidemiological approaches. On the treatment side schemes using short courses and new antibiotic combinations are being investigated and preliminary data are reported.

A century ago the Italian pathologist Bizzozero described the relationships between spiral bacteria and the mammalian gastro intestinal tract. Since 1982, when Helicobacter pylori was discovered, gastroduodenal disease have been completely revised as a con sequence of the results of basic and clinical research in this field. Progress in understanding the pathogenesis of this bacterium has been made by studying H. pylori infection in animal models. More specific diagnostic tools have been developed using new molecular biology techniques. Future trends are directed towards preparing a specific H. pylori vaccine. A new classification for gastritis, the Sydney System, including H. pylori gastritis, was proposed in 1990. As concerns the clinical approach to peptic ulcer disease in the 1990's, the majority of authors agree on the importance of H. pylori eradication. Moreover, recent clinical studies suggest that H. pylori infection can be associated with other gastroduodenal diseases, such as non ulcer dyspepsia and gastric cancer. Multicenter trials to standardize serological methods and evaluate the efficacy of new antimicrobial therapy schedules are planned throughout different European countries. The fourth Workshop of the European Helicobacter Pylori Study Group was held in Bologna, Italy, in November 1991. Two years before Bologna University celebrated its ninth centennial, giving evidence of being the oldest University in the modern world. Thus the H. pylori story that has continued for more than a century has been discussed once again at the University with the oldest tradition in the world.

An illustrated guide to best practices when performing and assessing biopsies for GI conditions of all kinds Accurate diagnosis of GI conditions necessarily entails both the careful taking of biopsies and the informed analysis of tissue material. With that being so, gastroenterologists and GI pathologists alike must have a solid understanding of the techniques, handling requirements, and diagnostic characteristics involved if they are to collaborate effectively. Gastrointestinal Pathology has been designed to provide a clinically focussed and richly illustrated guide to real-world scenarios faced by practicing GI specialists, offering step-by-step instruction and professional advice on the correct diagnosis of all major GI conditions. This essential new book includes: Full-color illustrations throughout Complete details of biopsy samples required to diagnose specific conditions Reviews of differential diagnoses Clinical management clues based on pathologic findings Featuring information to improve the practice of all gastroenterologists and GI pathologists, Gastrointestinal Pathology is a practical and every-day resource for the precise diagnosis of a wide range of GI conditions.

I am delighted to be able to write the foreword for this new book on Helicobacter pylori by three pioneers in the field, Vlf West blom, Steven Czinn and John Nedrud. Because of their long experience in both basic and clinical aspects of H. pylori, the editors have been able to produce a volume which is authoritative and up to date in the science of H. pylori, while still being concise and interesting for the practicing physician or H. pylori novice. To achieve this, they have collected a very distinguished group of authors from within the Vnited States and around the world. The chapters are sequenced in approximately the same order as developments in H. pylori science over the past 15 years. The first chapter on the discovery of H. pylori is by Cliodna McNulty, who was the first person to culture the organism in Europe. The epidemiology is then described followed by the main clinical as sociations, which are gastritis and dyspepsia, peptic ulcers, can cers and lymphoma. This naturally leads to discussion of the laboratory aspects of H. pylori, especially the microbiology, in cluding essential information on antibiotic resistance patterns. Next, virulence and pathogenicity of H. pylori are explained as defined in studies using animal models, then by discussion of the metabolism of the organism. Finally, the interaction of the bac terium with the host immune systems is dealt with, including the implications of these findings as they relate to the development of future vaccines.